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Are Heat Pumps Noisy?

Many homeowners who’ve never had a heat pump before have a lot of reasonable questions about how these impressive systems will work in their homes. Questions often include, “are heat pumps louder than an AC?” And, “are heat pumps expensive?” As your trusted local heat pump expert serving Kingston and Warren Rhode Island, and Worcester, Massachusetts, Baylies knows heat pumps inside and out, and we have the answers to help!

Baylies has seen the impact heat pumps can have for homeowners, both by lowering monthly energy costs (especially when combined with insulation services) and by helping you improve the comfort of your home. One of the biggest reasons why heat pumps are so popular is because of their versatility. Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, meaning you can manage all your HVAC needs with one handy system. 

What Kinds of Heat Pumps Are There?

Heat pumps are complete heating and cooling systems that come in two main varieties. These include:

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps

Ductless mini splits are wall-mounted units, which, as their name implies, do not require any ductwork to heat or cool your home. These units are made by a number of manufacturers, and Baylies installs them all. We can help you decide which brand will best suit your needs. 

Mini splits provide heating and cooling zones, making them a terrific option for homes where the occupants have very different temperature preferences. With a mini split installed in each bedroom, you’ll be able to provide (and enjoy) customized comfort for everyone in your household. Ductless units can also be a great fit for supplementing your existing HVAC system in rooms that are too hot or cold, like garages, sunrooms, and finished basements. 

Ducted Heat Pumps

If you have ducts in your home already, a ducted heat pump might be the best option for you. These systems connect to your ducts just like any other HVAC system, but they still offer both heating and cooling for your whole home. 

How Loud Are Heat Pumps?

So now down to the real question—do heat pumps make much noise? The short answer is no! Heat pumps are often compared to the noise level of a small fan running on low, and many find that the noise disappears into the background once you’ve gotten used to it.

To be more precise, most heat pumps run at about 19 decibels or dB (the measurement used to quantify noise level). To give you a better sense of what this means, here’s an example of the noise level of other common sounds:

  • Gas lawn mower: 80-85 dB
  • Washing machine or dishwasher: up to 70 dB
  • Refrigerator hum: 40 dB
  • Soft whisper: 30 dB
  • Remember that heat pump noise lands around 19 dB!

Heat pumps are much quieter than conventional air conditioners. If you’re a light sleeper, or if you’re looking for a new cooling option for your nursery or home office, a heat pump is the perfect solution for quiet heating and cooling.

Trust the Baylies Pros with Your Heat Pump Installation

When it comes to installing new HVAC equipment in your home, it’s important to trust the professionals you decide to work with. Baylies is your local team of experts. We’re dedicated to ensuring that your heat pump is properly installed the first time to keep your loved ones safe, healthy, and comfortable year-round, and our client testimonials reflect our commitment to excellent work. 

Are you a Massachusetts resident looking to add a heat pump to your home? Baylies can help you qualify for Mass Save® heat pump rebates up to $10,000! Get in touch to learn more. Upgrade your home with a quiet heat pump! Call 774-319-1593 or contact Baylies online to learn more.